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03/15/2016

Bills await McAuliffe's decision

By David HyltonThe General Assembly session closed Friday with a $105 billion budget on the line and several bills left on the Gov. Terry McAuliffe's desk. He has until April 11 to sign, veto or amend legislation. Lawmakers will then gather for a special session to address McAuliffe's actions.

This year's session was highlighted by a bi-partisan gun deal that expands the state's recognition of gun carry permits, requires those convicted of domestic violence to give up their firearms and puts Virginia State Police at gun shows to conduct voluntary background checks for unlicensed sellers.

Here's a look at some of the bills for McAuliffe to address:

BudgetThe two-year budget includes a pay raise for teachers and state employees. There are also no tax or fee increases.

SmokingIf McAuliffe signs this bill, adults will face a $100 fine if they smoke in a vehicle with children under the age of 8.

Child MarriageA loophole in state law allows children under the age of 16 to get married if a girl is pregnant. This bill changes the legal age to 16 for everyone, with parental consent.

Sexually Explicit BooksThis bill requires schools to notify parents if their child is assigned books with sexually explicit content. Free speech groups are urging the governor to veto the bill. Read more on NBC12.com.

Fantasy SportsMcAuliffe also signed a bill that legalizes and regulates sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings, requiring them to pay a $50,000 fee and submit to regular outside audits, the Washington Post reports.

Electric ChairThis bill allows the state to execute condemned inmates in the electric chair when it can't find lethal injection drugs.

Click here to check out more stories about the General Assembly on NBC12.com.